Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Heart Assisted Therapy-Self-Regulation HAT-SR for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Maria E. Pfrommer, Eleanor S. McConnell, John H. Diepold, Elisabeth A. Siegert and Aulie A. Thompson

Background/Objectives: Caring for patients with dementia can be challenging due to emotional contagion. This projected sought to enhance mindfulness and reduce patient-care related stress/anxiety of caregivers to individuals with dementia to foster positive emotional contagion. Design: A mixed method design was used to examine the effects of the mindfulness education. Setting: Continuing Care Retirement Community Participants: Thirty-four long term care staff completed the initial educational activity; 16 completed pre and post survey and practiced the mindfulness activity for one week. Intervention: A 1 hour continuing education program was implemented and evaluated to teach caregivers a mindfulness enhancing technique known as Heart Assisted Therapy-SR (HAT-SR). Measurements: Evaluation focused on caregivers’ responses to the education, the intention to use the technique in practice, and staff experiences regarding the mindfulness enhancing intervention. Caregivers also completed a pre and post CAMS-R mindfulness survey and a post educational activity survey. Results: Mean scores were slightly improved (M=39.00 pre to M=39.73 post) after practicing HAT-SR for one week, however, these results were not statistically significant. The End of Educational Activity survey revealed 100% of participants increased their knowledge base regarding mindfulness, 86% reported the educational activity was helpful in identifying the challenges faced by caregivers of patients with cognitive impairments, and over 85% of participants responded favorably to using HAT-SR as a tool to promote calm and relaxation and to improve their practice. Conclusion